Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-161 near Oskaloosa, IA — 2013-05-18

Final reportCEN13LA287
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Date
2013-05-18
Location
Oskaloosa, IA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-161
Registration
N47539
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the engine examination did not reveal any malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and two passengers were in cruise flight when the airplane’s engine lost power. The pilot turned on the electric-driven fuel pump, switched fuel tanks, and applied carburetor heat. The engine did not respond; therefore, he performed a forced landing in a field. A postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any preexisting malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power settings, the airplane was operating at cruise power. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before flight to prevent engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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